The Toronto Blue Jays could have to make some tough decisions on their rotation.
Toronto bolstered its pitching staff this offseason as the Blue Jays signed Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to join the likes of Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber, Jose Berrios, and Bowden Francis, among others.
If the Blue Jays stick with five starters, Francis is likely set to be depth in Triple-A. The conversation with Berrios will be an intriguing one. His name has come up in trade rumors, yet Blue Jays insider Keegan Matheson of MLB.com expects Toronto to keep Berrios and potentially use him in the bullpen.
“Berríos will ramp up in camp like he always has. And if the Blue Jays still have six healthy starters by late March, that’s when any uncomfortable conversations can happen,” Matheson wrote on Saturday. “Berrios was “not happy” with how his season ended, being left off the postseason rosters after a trip to the IL (right elbow inflammation) for the first time in his 10-year career.
“The Blue Jays still have time on their side here, meaning time to see if Berríos’ right arm bounces back. They are not at all eager to trade their own prospects to facilitate salary-dump trades. So any deal would need to make baseball sense. Right now, it makes baseball sense to see how Spring Training feels and go from there.”
Toronto holding onto Berrios for starting pitching depth does make sense. But, if he is truly still disgruntled about the move to the bullpen, a change of scenery could be best, but it’s not something the Blue Jays are thinking about.
Berrios Left Blue Jays During World Series Run
Berrios had been a key pitcher for the Blue Jays for years, but last year he struggled.
The right-hander was nearly unplayable in the second half. That led to a move to the bullpen before being shut down for the year due to an injury. Despite the Blue Jays making it to the World Series, Berrios wasn’t with the team as he went home to Puerto Rico.
At the Winter Meetings, Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said Berrios wasn’t happy with the move.
“He was not happy,” Atkins said. “He was disappointed that he wasn’t in our rotation, (but) he handled it well. But then, when it came down to roster selection, he wasn’t on it.”
Although Berrios wasn’t happy, Atkins said the relationship is still good as he’s a professional and understands baseball.
“It’s always tough when someone of his pedigree is not in the rotation,” Atkins said. “I’m sure he was not excited with that decision. Having to be the one who makes it makes it very difficult. I’d describe the relationship as solid, professional.”
Berrios went 9-5 with a 4.17 ERA in 31 games, including 30 starts, last season.
What is Berrios’ Contract Status?
Berrios was Toronto’s Opening Day starter in 2024 and 2025, but his future with the team is up in the air.
The right-hander struggled down the stretch, and his name has come up in trade rumors. However, his contract is an issue as he’s owed $19 million this season. He’s owed $24 million in 2027 and 2028.
Although there is a player opt-out after 2027, it does seem unlikely Berrios would opt out if he has another season like this one. In total, he has three years left on his seven-year, $131 million deal.
So, if the Blue Jays are going to move him, Toronto likely will have to eat money or not get much of a return.
Blue Jays Get Surprising Prediction on Future of Disgruntled Pitcher